Craving takeout but want something healthier and faster? This Easy Vegetarian Fried Rice is your answer! It’s the absolute best way to use up leftover rice, transforming it into a savory, satisfying meal in minutes. This recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights when I need a delicious, protein-packed dinner on the table with minimal effort. It’s simple, endlessly customizable, and so much better than anything you can get delivered!
Ingredients
• 1 large cage-free egg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 green onion / scallion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon / 15 ml coconut oil
• 1 cup / 185 g cooked and chilled brown rice
• 1/2 cup / 75 g frozen peas
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg with a fork. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and set aside.
2. Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chilled brown rice and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps with your spatula.
3. Push the rice to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten egg into the empty space and cook, scrambling with the spatula until just set.
4. Mix the scrambled egg into the rice. Stir in the frozen peas and sliced green onions.
5. Continue to stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes, until everything is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Serves: 2
• Serving Size: 3/4 cup
• Calories: 236
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 7.5g
• Fiber: 3.5g
• Sugar: 2.5g
• Sodium: 38mg
Pro Tips
• for Perfect Fried Rice
• Use cold, day-old rice. Chilled rice is drier and less starchy, which prevents it from clumping together and turning mushy in the pan.
• Get your pan nice and hot before adding the oil and . High heat is crucial for achieving that signature stir-fried texture and flavor.
• For a flavor boost, add a splash of low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari) and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the very end of cooking.
• Don’t be afraid to add more veggies! Diced carrots, corn, bell peppers, or edamame are fantastic additions. Add them with the rice to ensure they cook through.
• To make this vegan, simply swap the egg for a plant-based alternative like a tofu scramble or a product like JUST Egg.
FAQ
Q: How can I add more protein to this vegetarian fried rice
A: To easily boost the protein, you can add edamame along with the peas, or stir in some cubed firm tofu or tempeh when you add the rice. For a non-vegan option, simply scramble an extra egg.
Q: Can I make this fried rice vegan
A: Absolutely. To make this recipe vegan, simply swap the egg for a plant-based alternative. A simple tofu scramble, crumbled firm tofu, or a store-bought product like JUST Egg works perfectly.
Q: What other vegetables work well in this recipe
A: This fried rice is incredibly versatile. Diced carrots, corn, bell peppers, broccoli florets, or edamame are all fantastic additions. Add them to the pan with the rice to ensure they cook through.
Q: How should I store and reheat leftover fried rice
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a hot skillet or wok with a tiny splash of oil, stir-frying until heated through. You can also microwave it.
